1 DNP STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016 Academic Year* *Any policies in this handbook may be revised at any time, and the latest version will supersede any previous versions.
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic page Academic Appeal...15 Academic Integrity...15 Academic Policies...12 Additional Time Option..10 Advising...12 American Nurses Association Code of Ethics...5 Attendance and Participation...16 Changes...16 Communication...12 Continuous Enrollment...15 Courses...9 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program...6 Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program description and overview...6 DNP Academic Portfolio..7 DNP Capstone Project 10 DNP Course Descriptions.8 DNP Curriculum...8 DNP Program...7 DNP Program Milestones 7 Drug Testing and Background Check...16 Graduation Requirements...12 Grievance...12 Health Insurance...16 Health Requirements...16 History of SON...5 Incomplete Grades...14 IRB Requirements.12 Immunizations...16 Introduction...4 Leave of Absence...15 Leadership Nursing Education..8 Letters of Reference..5 Mission, Objectives, Goals...5 Philosophy...5 Practice Mentor 13 Practicum Outcomes.7 Preparing the Final Presentation of the DNP Capstone Project...12 Professional Conduct...16 Professional Liability Insurance...16 Program Evaluation...15 Program Outcomes.6 Progression in the Program...14 Proposal...11 School Schedule...13 Student Advisement and Responsibilities.13 Student Evaluation...13 Technology...16 The School of Nursing at Touro University Nevada..5
Transfer Credit and Credit by Examination...16 Tuition Refund and Withdrawal Dates...16 Web-based Education 7 Withdrawing from a Course...16 3
4 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Touro University Nevada and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. This TUN School of Nursing DNP Student handbook is designed to share information and serve as a reference to students and others regarding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. It contains information about the University, DNP degree program, academic matters, policies and regulations, student services and student activities. This handbook supplements the Touro University Nevada Catalog. In areas of question, the TUN Catalog will be the deciding reference. The provisions of the handbook are subject to changes as a result of official actions of the administration. Such changes may be without notice and will apply to all enrolled students. The student should not consider this handbook to represent a contract between Touro University Nevada and the student. The university disclaims any misrepresentations or omissions that may have occurred as a result of error in preparation or typing. Each student is responsible for knowing current academic regulations, policies and procedures of the program, school, College of Health and Human Services and TUN and other official announcements and published documents of the University, College, School of Nursing, or DNP program.
5 THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AT TOURO UNIVERSITY NEVADA A History of the School of Nursing A regional needs assessment indicated a looming crisis in the availability of nurses to provide care in Southern Nevada for the burgeoning population, many of whom were of retirement age. A strategic plan was implemented to provide Clark County with a nursing school that would provide graduate level education for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in another discipline or for registered nurses seeking to further their education in the functional areas of nursing administration or nursing education. Efforts were begun in January 2005 to initiate the School of Nursing by hiring the school s director and by beginning the accreditation process by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), as well as the Nevada State Board of Nursing approval process. Space designated for the School of Nursing included a 3600 sq. ft. skills lab, classrooms, seminar rooms, physical assessment rooms, faculty offices, and workstations. This project was completed in November of 2005. MISSION, OBJECTIVES, AND GOALS Mission Statement Characterized by scholarship and community service, the School of Nursing prepares competent and caring nurses who meet the health care needs and expectations of individuals, families, communities, and the profession. Philosophy The School of Nursing, as a constituent of Touro University Nevada, accepts responsibility for promoting the University's general purposes of teaching, research, and service. The School s philosophy builds upon concepts regarding humans, society, health, nursing, and learning. The faculty believes that: 1. The human is a holistic being who develops through continuous interaction with the environment. 2. Society is composed of individuals, families, groups, communities, and other population aggregates. Society possesses structure, values, and beliefs that influence human responses. 3. Health is a dynamic, multidimensional, measurable state of being that is influenced by the internal and external environment. 4. Nursing is a profession and an academic discipline possessing a scientific body of knowledge. 5. Learning is a dynamic, lifelong, interactive process involving sensory perception, conceptualization, and critical thinking. 6. Nursing education guides the learner to attain competencies required to practice professional nursing. 7. Nursing education at the baccalaureate level is the basis for professional practice as a nurse generalist, and should be accessible to individuals with diverse cultural, experiential, and academic backgrounds. 8. Nursing education at the master s level focuses on preparation for advanced practice through the integration of selected theoretical formulations and the expansion of knowledge and skills through critical inquiry. 9. Nursing education at the doctoral level focuses on synthesis of data and translation of research into complex practice situations. 10. Nurses prepared at each of the three academic levels are responsible for continuing their professional development to promote constructive, effective, ethical, and societal relevant modifications within the discipline of nursing. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics The School of Nursing subscribes to the tenets identified in The Code of Ethics for Nurses published by the American Nurses Association as revised in 2015. You can find it at: www. nursingworld.org/mainmenucategories/ethicsstandards/codeofethicsfornurses
6 DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program description and Overview The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal advanced practice professional doctorate degree for those individuals holding licensure as registered nurses (RN). This degree is intended to respond to the demands associated with increasing complexity in the health care system, expansion of scientific knowledge, and growing concerns regarding the quality of patient care delivery and outcomes in the United States. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Touro University Nevada enhances the preparation and abilities of graduate nurses, while providing a non-research intensive option for obtaining a terminal nursing degree. The program requires completion of six integrated nursing courses that comprise a total of 33 semester credits. Each 5-6 semester-credit course is completed over eight weeks and includes a practicum component, which is devoted to completion of the scholarly project and nursing education practice. Each course focuses on knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to fully implement the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Graduates are prepared to function as expert nurse educators and to provide leadership within academic settings. All courses are provided on-line and require reliable access to high-speed internet. In addition web conferencing and teleconferencing are used throughout the program to supplement content and communication among faculty and students. Each student is admitted with a general idea of a topic focus which is used as a foundation and point of comparison for studies in the leadership and nursing education curriculum. This practice focus is expected to be enhanced throughout the curriculum in the readings, projects, and assignments. The DNP project for the DNP program is an integrated evidence-based project that demonstrates a practice (as opposed to research) focus. Students will choose a topic of interest for this project and then, with faculty guidance, design, implement, and evaluate the impact or change within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. Program outcomes The TUN SON has adopted the following DNP program outcomes to reflect the learning included in the curriculum. These outcomes are adapted from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) document, The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2008). A graduate of the TUN DNP program is expected to demonstrate the following competencies through knowledge, behaviors, or skills: 1. Integrate nursing science, theories, and concepts with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice. 2. Select appropriate organizational and systems leadership models and theories to promote quality improvement and systems thinking. 3. Use analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine and implement the best evidence for practice. 4. Design, implement, and evaluate quality improvement methodologies to promote safe, timely, effective, efficient, and equitable nursing and health care services. 5. Synthesize information systems/technology and patient care technology concepts to improve and transform nursing practice. 6. Critically analyze policy/laws/ethics to develop, evaluate, and advocate for, change that shapes financing, regulation, and delivery of nursing and health care services. 7. Employ effective communication and collaborative skills in the development and implementation of evidencebased nursing practice. 8. Analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, cultural, and other appropriate scientific data related to individual, aggregate, and population health. 9. Design evidence based practice that integrates nursing science with the science of other applicable disciplines to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
7 10. Perform, competently and effectively, all responsibilities of the chosen specialty nursing role. Practicum hours: An academic practicum of 1000 hours experience must be documented in the practice focus. Students may count up to 520 practicum hours completed during their MSN education toward this requirement. A format for completion of 480 hours is built into the 12 month program. If additional practice hours are needed they may be added by registering in NUR 756 DNP Practicum, an additional course specific to meet the practice hours requirement. The course(s) can be taken concurrently with DNP III VI or after the core courses are completed. Students will experience a broad range of learning activities in order to meet DNP competencies. All practicum experiences are completed in the student s geographical area and travel to the campus is not required. DNP Academic Portfolio All DNP students are required to develop and maintain as part of the portfolio evidence of practice hours in the Meditrek system. A portfolio follows the student s progress throughout their doctoral studies. The DNP portfolio is a component of the DNP program that is used as a comprehensive, evaluative competency-based assessment for DNP students. The Portfolio documents the student s achievement of the DNP Essentials (American Association of Colleges of Nurses, 2006), and the Program outcomes throughout the educational experience. Culmination of the Portfolio provides the student with the foundation upon graduation to expand the curriculum vitate, and provide documentation to prospective employers regarding their goals, objectives and accomplishments. Summary of information to be entered into the Meditrek system must be approved by the faculty and the Academic Mentor. DNP Program Milestones Students are admitted to the DNP program with the expectation that they will complete their program of study in a timely fashion. In order to facilitate student realization of completion in a timely fashion, several milestones have been identified in each DNP I VI course. The DNP program milestones are presented to students in DNP I. These timelines are set as a guide to faculty and students as a means of evaluating the timeliness of student progress. The expectation is that students should be progressing in an expeditious manner. Failure to meet these milestones will initiate a critical review of student progress. Web-Based Education: The philosophy of web-based education is based on the premise of adult learning and that students are motivated to seek out and engage in learning experiences without face-to-face weekly meetings with instructors. Instructors in web-based education have radically changed their whole method of teaching so that the class venue for the teacher and the student becomes the computer. The classroom is now a virtual learning environment in which learning is no longer bound by space and time. Web-based education means the most extreme form of online education that uses streaming videos and the more advanced functionalities available in educational software and where there is no actual face to face contact between the teacher and the student. The student has the responsibility to seek out and participate in learning experiences that exist outside the confines of the classroom. It is therefore the student s responsibility to regularly check their email as well as course and program web pages for the latest information. It is important to note that instructors are not available 24/7 and students must therefore take advantage of any scheduled on-line orientations, scheduled meetings via video-conferencing, chat or other meetings with their instructors.
8 DNP CURRICULUM Leadership in Nursing Education The Leadership in Nursing Education curriculum includes content related to a variety of concepts that include: Organizational Systems Leadership and Management Financial Legal Ethical Collaborative Communication Healthcare Policy Environmental and Epidemiological Informatics and Healthcare Technology Professionalism Research and Biostatistics Evidence-based Practice Academics The integrated approach to DNP education included in this curriculum allows students to see the interconnectedness of concepts as they are presented, in a simple-to-complex approach across the curriculum. Assignments and projects are designed to incorporate the concepts into practice, bridging the gap between theory and practice and improving understanding and retention of critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes. DNP COURSE DESCRIPTIONS All courses must be completed in sequence as shown. NUR 750-DNP I (6 Credits-4.5 Didactic, 1.5 Practicum) This course provides the foundations for success within doctoral nursing education and guides DNP students in identifying their DNP project topics. An academic mentor is assigned. Methods by which nursing knowledge is generated and levels of evidence informing nursing practice will be investigated. Concepts related to the roles of both the DNP prepared nurse and the nurse educator are explored, with an emphasis on applied research, biostatistical applications, leadership, and systems. A practice mentor is established in an approved practice setting and 72 hours of documented practicum, that includes scholarly exploration of an approved topic, are completed. Development of a portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes begins. Prerequisite: Admission to the DNP program
9 NUR 751-DNP II (5 Credits-3.5 Didactic, 1.5 Practicum) This course builds upon DNP I and continues to explore the roles of the DNP prepared nurse as an evidence-based practitioner, a change agent, and a practitioner within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nursing education leadership focus specialty. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to finance, legal and ethical considerations, interprofessional collaboration, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. Students collect, organize, and analyze the best evidence to support an approved DNP project topic and begin to develop a DNP project proposal. Students complete 72 hours of documented practicum that include leveling and grading of evidence, interviews with experts, and work with a practice mentor in an approved practice setting. Development of a portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes continues. Prerequisite: NUR 750-DNP I NUR 752-DNP III (5 Credits-3.5 Didactic, 1.5 Practicum) This course builds upon DNP II and further develops the roles of the DNP as an evidence-based practitioner, a change agent, and a practitioner within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nursing education leadership focus specialty. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to systems, healthcare policy and reform, leadership, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. The DNP project proposal started in DNP II is completed and successfully defended. Students complete 72 hours of documented practicum that include development of a scholarly DNP project and work with a practice mentor in an approved practice setting. Development of a portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes continues. Prerequisite: NUR 751-DNP II NUR 753-DNP IV (5 Credits-3.5 Didactic, 1.5 Practicum) This course builds upon DNP III and continues to develop the roles of the DNP as an evidence-based practitioner, a change agent, and a practitioner within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nursing education leadership focus specialty. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to advancing nursing practice, leadership, informatics, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. Plans for the approved DNP project are finalized and implementation begins. Students complete 72 hours of documented practicum that include implementation of the approved DNP project and work with a practice mentor in an approved practice setting. Development of a portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes continues. Prerequisite: NUR 752-DNP III NUR 754-DNP V (6 Credits-4 Didactic, 2 Practicum) This course builds upon DNP IV and continues to develop the role of the DNP as an evidence-based practitioner, a change agent, and a practitioner within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nursing education leadership focus specialty. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to leadership, epidemiology, environmental health, populations based care, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. Implementation of an approved DNP project is completed. Students complete 96 hours of documented practicum that include DNP project implementation and work with a practice mentor in an approved practice setting. Development of a portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes continues. Prerequisite: NUR 753-DNP IV
10 NUR 755-DNP VI (6 credits didactic, 2 Practicum) This course builds upon DNP V and finalizes the development of the role of the DNP as an evidence-based practitioner, a change agent, and a practitioner within the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to professional practice, scholarship, systems change, evaluation, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a leadership in nursing education specialty. The DNP project implemented in DNP V is evaluated, final DNP project requirements are completed, and the final DNP project is successfully defended. Students complete 96 hours of documented practicum that include evaluation of the completed DNP project and work with a practice mentor in an approved practice setting. A portfolio to demonstrate successful completion of course and program outcomes is required. Prerequisite: NUR 754-DNP V NUR 756-DNP Practicum (1-6 Credits) This course is an independent study practicum and is based upon the student s selection of an in-depth pursuit of an individual area of interest and/or practice with guidance of a faculty member. The student is responsible for identifying and participating in learning activities that address the DNP competencies within the course. This course builds upon the development of the portfolio to meet program outcomes. Students requiring additional practicum hours should register for this course. Registration requires permission of the program coordinator. Each credit hour equals 48 hours of practicum. Prerequisite: NUR 750 DNP I, NUR 751 DNP II, and permission of the DNP Program Coordinator Additional Time Option Students who require additional practicum hours must complete a Curriculum Revision Plan with the program coordinator. Students may complete additional hours by registering for DNP Practicum (1-6 Credits) during the program or may choose to extend the program by one additional semester to complete required hours. Each credit hour equals 48 hours of practicum. DNP CAPSTONE PROJECT The major assessment of student learning in this program is the DNP Capstone Project. All TUN DNP students must complete a final project that is an integrated evidence-based project that demonstrates a practice (as opposed to a research) focus. The DNP final project is an application-oriented, scholarly document exemplifying the concept of the scholar-practitioner. Translation of research into practice, directing practice to specific populations, evaluation of practice, and improving nursing practice and health care outcomes are some activities noted in the scope of a DNP graduate and are appropriate areas for further exploration within the DNP Capstone Project. Students will choose a topic of interest for this project and then, with faculty guidance, design, implement, and evaluate the impact or change with the Doctor of Nursing practice with the Leadership in nursing education specialty. Depending on the student s topic of interest they will choose either a change project, quality improvement project, practice improvement project, in-depth case study, or program development and/ or program evaluation. This project is built sequentially throughout the three semesters of the DNP program, and is designed to guide, instruct, and keep the DNP student moving forward with progress. You must complete the CITI Training in DNP II. This training is effective for three years from the date of completion. You must follow the AACN Essentials for Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence Based- Practice.
11 For all projects you first identify an area of interest (a problem), review and summarize pertinent literature, and refine the overall problem statement. Focus of this project must be directly linked to leadership and nursing education. You will then investigate the problem: Collect appropriate data to generate evidence for nursing leadership and nursing education Analyze findings. Design interventions based on evidence. Predict and analyze outcomes. Evaluate patterns and identify gaps in evidence for practice. Synthesize information as a means for implementation of best practices. In the DNP Capstone Project, you must demonstrate evidence of critical thinking, research application, and mastery of advanced leadership and nursing education. Proposal: Your initial proposal must be approved by your Academic Mentor and the Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC) during the DNP IV course. At a minimum the submission of the proposal must include: Title page Abstract Introduction and Background Problem Statement Purpose of the project Education practice question Review of the Literature Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks (nursing AND related theories as appropriate) Project plan Population of interest Setting Tools Intervention/project timeline Ethics and Human Subject Protections Analysis/Evaluation Significance and/or Implications to nursing leadership and nursing education. Once the GCC reviews the proposal the committee may choose to: 1) Accept the proposal as written or conditionally accept with minor revisions and no re-review; 2) Require minor or major revisions and re-review: 3) Reject the proposal; In the case of an approval with minor revisions ; the student must communicate the completion of the revisions with the Academic Mentor. In the case of major revisions required or approval denied, the student must develop a significantly revised or a new capstone proposal. The Academic Mentor will work with the student on the revision. The GCC will review the new proposal. A maximum of two revisions will be considered. After the second revision if the proposal is rejected this will result in a no pass for the DNP V course. The student may enroll in DNP V one additional time.
12 IRB Requirements After the student proposal is approved by the Graduate Curriculum Committee the student must initiate the TUN IRB Determination of exempt status form. Forward the form to the DNP Program Coordinator. If the agency where the project will be implemented required separate IRB approval, the student should also initiate this process. Send any documents to the DNP Program Coordinator. All IRB approvals, agency agreements, and final approval from the Graduate Curriculum Committee must be in place prior to starting project implementation. The DNP Capstone project is implemented and evaluated during NUR 754 DNP V. Preparing the Final Presentation of the DNP Capstone Project: The final draft of the DNP Capstone Project is prepared in adherence with APA guidelines. The student is responsible for ensuring full preparation for the final presentation and defense, including development of a formal presentation representative of the capstone project. The DNP Program Coordinator organizes, chairs, and manages, the final presentations. The final project presentation is held using adobe connect. The presentation is attended by the DNP Program Coordinator, student s Academic Mentor, Practice Mentor, and peers in DNP VI. o Members of an audience may question the student during the public forum in the adobe connect room. Private questioning by capstone committee members will take place after the public presentation. The student must present the capstone project in a manner consistent with a formal academic presentation. ACADEMIC POLICIES This information is a reference intended to provide accurate information. Each student is responsible for adhering to current academic regulations. Graduation Requirements A student will be recommended for degree conferral under the following conditions: 1. Satisfactory completion of all academic requirements, 2. Has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.15 or higher. 3. Has fulfilled all legal and financial obligations to Touro University Nevada. Communication Students and faculty will interact and communicate using a variety of techniques, including email. Faculty members maintain office hours by appointment by phone or Adobe Connect. All email correspondence between faculty and students should occur using the TUN assigned email address. Faculty attempt to respond to emails and phone calls within 24 hours Monday-Friday and 72 hours on weekends, except during times that TUN does not operate. Please refer to the official TUN calendar for the holiday schedule. Students will be informed of planned faculty absences. Advising/Academic Mentor Each student is assigned an Academic Mentor (AM), often traditionally referred to as an academic advisor, upon admission to the DNP program. The assigned AM will work with the student throughout the program. Students are required to meet telephonically with the AM during the DNP I and II courses and as requested by the AM or as deemed necessary by the student in future sessions. It is the student s responsibility to keep the AM informed of any issues that might impact their ability to succeed or progress in the program of study. The AM maintains
13 written documentation of mentoring activities in the student s academic file. The Academic Mentor must be a member of the TUN School of Nursing and teach full-time in the DNP program. The Academic Mentor provides a vital link between the student and the DNP program. The Academic Mentor (AM) serves as the student s project chair. The AM advises and guides the student in the preparation of the DNP Capstone Project. The AM will provide guidance on the selection of a Practice Mentor. The AM must work in close collaboration with faculty teaching in courses NUR 751, 752, 753, 754 and 755 in order to assist the student with a smooth and efficient transition through proposal development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Practice Mentor The Practice Mentor guides facilitates and supports the student s experience at the practice site. The PM may review the DNP Capstone Project. The PM may mentor the student in the role of personal development into a DNP. Student Advisement Responsibilities The student bears substantial responsibility to assure that advisement occurs in a timely and appropriate manner. The student is responsible for: Meeting with his/her Academic Advisor regarding progress, plans, goals and any problem that are current or anticipated with the DNP Scholarly Project. Initiating and maintaining contact with the Academic Advisor. Being aware of School of Nursing policies and requirements. Following the program plan as agreed upon with the DNP Program Coordinator. If problems occur during registration necessitating changes to the plan, the student should consult the DNP Program Coordinator. Reporting any problems that might delay the completion of coursework, DNP project, or practicum experiences to the assigned instructor. Requesting and completing all appropriate approval document pursuant to the completion of the doctoral degree. Participating in the selection of the student s Practice Mentor. Changes: If a change in a Practice Mentor or your site is should change, it is the student responsibility to notify the DNP Program Coordinator to discuss this matter. It is the student responsibility to identify and seek a new Practice Mentor. The student must submit a new Practice Mentor CV and signed agreement form. The change must be approved by the DNP Program Coordinator. Practicum hours will not be accrued unless the student has an approved Practice Mentor. School Schedule The DNP program follows the SON schedule, which is published on the TUN website. A schedule for each course will be included in the course information for the individual course in the Blackboard Learning Management System. Student Evaluation The faculty of the Touro University Nevada School of Nursing is charged with the responsibility of educating students and evaluating their knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) throughout the program. The faculty reserves the right, and has the responsibility, to recommend the academic or disciplinary dismissal of a student when appropriate. Faculty members maintain the academic freedom to assign course grades that reflect student s performance within the confines of established evaluation criteria.
14 Grades are given in percentage form using the following grading system: Grade Grade Point Equivalent 93-100% 3.65 4.00 A 90-92% 3.50 3.60 A- 87-89% 3.35 3.45 B+ 83-86% 3.15 3.30 B 80-82% 3.00 3.10 B- 77-79% 2.70 2.90 C+ 73-76% 2.30 2.60 C 70-72% 2.00 2.20 C- 69% or below 0.00 U A cumulative GPA of 83% is required to progress in the program and to graduate. A grade of B (83%) or higher is required to complete a course successfully. Incomplete Grades Incomplete grades may be awarded, with documented and extenuating emergent circumstances, when 75% or more of required work has been completed and evaluated in the prescribed period of time and the student is passing. It is the responsibility of the student to request the incomplete grade from the instructor, bring pertinent information to the attention of the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements that must be satisfied to remove the incomplete grade. Incomplete grades are issued at the discretion of the instructor only. The faculty member will docent the outstanding requirements in writing, and both student and faculty member will sign an agreement, including a time frame that indicates required work that must be submitted to convert the Incomplete to a letter grade. The grade earned will reflect the work completed. The required assignment(s) must be submitted to the appropriate faculty for grading in sufficient time for the grade to be removed prior to the beginning of the next semester. Incomplete grades are not given for inferior work or performance. Students must be achieving at a passing level. Incomplete grades will automatically convert to a grade of U if not removed within the approved time frame. PROGRESSION IN THE PROGRAM Progression in the DNP program requires the student to maintain a Grade Point Average of 83%. If a student earns a grade below 83% as the final course grade for any course, the student may be dismissed from the program. If the student applies and is accepted for readmission, they will be readmitted on academic probation and must earn a cumulative GPA of 83% or higher by the end of the first session following readmission. Failure to earn a cumulative GPA of 83% or higher by the end of the first session following readmission will result in permanent dismissal from the program. As graduate students and advanced practice nurses, students are responsible for monitoring their progress in the academic program. Any graded product below the 83% level should be interpreted as poor performance and initiate communication between the student and faculty member and/or academic mentor to implement a plan to improve performance. Students who do not take the initiative to seek corrective guidance accept full responsibility for the final academic performance.
15 Continuous Enrollment Student s must maintain continuous enrollment, unless on an approved LOA, throughout the entire program. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment results in program dismissal. Reapplication is required. Withdrawing from a Course Withdraw from a course or the program is governed by TUN policies. Please refer to the TUN Catalog for the current information or contact the Registrar s Office. Note that withdrawal from a course also constitutes withdrawal from the DNP program. Students wishing to reenter the program must reapply. Leave of Absence A leave of absence (LOA) may be granted, at the student s request, according to TUN policy. Students must request the LOA in writing from the Registrar and the Graduate Coordinator. Restrictions on LOA are published in the TUN Catalog. Program Evaluation The School of Nursing and the DNP Program support a continuous self-evaluation process. It is the expectation of multiple accreditation agencies that a process to gather information is in place. Students complete a course and faculty evaluation at the end of each course throughout the program. Student responses are aggregated and anonymous. The data obtained is used to guide course and curriculum change. Letters of Reference Requests for Letters of Reference from the SON Director or an individual faculty must be made in writing (email is acceptable). Completion of a reference request is at the discretion of the individual faculty member. Academic Integrity Academic standards must be maintained to support the integrity of the program and the profession. Academic Integrity assumes faculty and students will maintain and demonstrate the values of, honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage. Violations of academic integrity will be adjudicated according to the Academic Code of Conduct published in the TUN Catalog for students and the TUN Faculty Handbook for faculty. Academic Appeal Students must follow the academic appeals process included in the TUN Catalog if they disagree with a decision or action by faculty. Grievance If a student has a grievance against the School of Nursing, the student is to confer with the Director of Nursing. Should this prove to be unsatisfactory or the student does not feel comfortable in doing so, the student should present the grievance to the Dean of College of Health and Human Services. Should a student have a grievance against the administration (School Director, College Dean, Bursar, Registrar, Financial Aid and Admissions) the student should attempt to discuss the problem directly with the individual and if unsatisfactory, the supervisor of the person. The student is encouraged to resolve the problem at the lowest level. Appeal of a decision is always to the next level. If the grievance is elevated beyond the local institution, an appeal would be made to the CEO and Sr. Provost of Touro University Western Division. Drug Testing & Criminal Background Check Policy The School of Nursing adheres to the stipulations and guidelines of the Drug Testing Policy and Criminal Background Check Policy of TUN. See TUN Catalog for details.
16 Tuition Refund and Withdrawal Dates Refer to the TUN Catalog and the Financial Aid office. Transfer Credit & Credit by Examination Transfer credit or credit by examination is not accepted. Health Insurance See TUN Catalog. Immunizations See TUN Catalog for minimum requirements. The student is required to adhere to any specific guidelines required by a facility in which the practicum experience is completed. Health Requirements See TUN Catalog. Professional Liability Insurance Students enrolled in practice required within a course and supervised by faculty are covered by a blanket professional liability insurance policy provided by Touro University Nevada. Student insurance does not cover the RN in unsupervised practice. Professional Conduct It is the policy of the School of Nursing that students will observe confidentiality, personal integrity, and demeanor appropriate to the nursing profession. Students must comply with all HIPAA and FERPA guidelines throughout their education. Students will also be expected to behave in a way that is truthful and honest, accept responsibility for their actions, and work diligently to correct identified deficiencies. Any action that calls into question the student's behavior or potential capabilities as a student and nursing professional will be reviewed an acted upon. The SON abides by the ethical and professional standards and practices as described in the ANA standards. Attendance & Participation Students must meet attendance requirements in all DNP courses and active participation is required. Failure to meet participation requirements will impact the course grade. Specific information is located in each course syllabus. Technology Students will be given an identification number upon enrollment at Touro University Nevada. Students will be given an official University email address which will be used to transmit official information from faculty and administration to the students. Students are required to check this email account daily. Students utilize the Blackboard learning platform to access class materials, syllabi, and to participate in discussions/communications, as required. Library academic resources are accessible online. Library staff and personnel are available to assist students, however, students are expected to possess advanced library utilization skills. Reliable broadband Internet access is required at all times. At the time of publication, MAC computers are not supported by the TUN IT Department or the HelpDesk.
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